CANADA - More than 200 research and development projects have been made possible to date through the Provincial Governments Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Programme (FTNOP), which was introduced in 2007 to support innovation in Newfoundland and Labradors billion dollar fishing and aquaculture industry.

Derrick Dalley, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, highlighted several successful FTNOP projects at the Marine Institute today and encouraged industry stakeholders to avail of the C$2.2 million of programme funding made available through Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future.

“Through this program the Provincial Government is improving technology used by harvesters and processors, increasing efficiency and product quality, and enhancing marketing, which in turn makes our fishing and aquaculture industry more competitive globally,” said Minister Dalley.

“This C$2.2 million investment is another example of how we are supporting business success to enhance job opportunities, promote economic growth, and provide secure futures for families and communities throughout the province.”

In total, more than C$12 million has been allocated toward the programme between 2007 and 2013 to help industry conduct research projects with organisations like the Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation (CCFI), as well as the Marine Institute’s Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Resources and Centre for Aquaculture and Seafood Development.

“In order to take full advantage of opportunities in Newfoundland and Labrador’s fishing and aquaculture industry and benefit the people and communities that depend on it, we have to continuously pursue better ways of doing things,” said Robert Verge, Managing Director of CCFI.

“Through this programme, the Provincial Government has enabled CCFI and the Marine Institute to partner with industry on research and development projects that create the capabilities we need.”

Successful FTNOP projects include the development of an e-simulator to enhance safety through vessel stability testing, ongoing studies on using fish wastes as biodiesel, and campaigns to develop new markets and promote shrimp and other species.

Those interested in applying to the programme can visit www.fishaq.gov.nl.ca for more information.